Raymond E. "Papa Ray" Lelonek, 91, of Stockton died Sunday morning, May 1, 2016 at the Absolut at Dunkirk. He was born in Buffalo on December 30, 1924, son of the late Maximillion and Rose (Budniewski) Lelonek.
A veteran of WWII, serving in the U.S. Army from 1943-45, Ray received the Good Conduct Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five service stars (the services stars were Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Central Europe, and Rhineland Campaigns), and WWII Victory Medal (French Legion of Honor).
He was a retired employee of First Student in Fredonia, where he drove bus until he was 87. During that time, his regular route was to St. Mary's School for the Deaf in Buffalo twice daily, and in the past he was employed at Malecki Meats in Buffalo as a salesman for the local area until they closed.
His memberships included the Cassadaga American Legion, and he was a past member of the WWII Vets in Dunkirk and First Ward Falcons Club.
"Papa Ray" enjoyed spending time with children and babies; hunting; snowmobiling; and riding four wheelers, dirt bikes, motorcycles - if it had a motor to make it run, he was all about it. A kind, compassionate, charming flirt that could make friends anywhere, he could see the humor in any situation.
Surviving are his wife of 69 years, Virginia (Maszczak) Lelonek, whom he married November 26, 1946; children, Joseph (Jane) Lelonek of Garner, NC, Andrew (Daune) Lelonek of Kissimmee, FL and Ronald (Kathy) Lelonek of Yalaha, FL; his twin brother, Donald Lelonek of Stockton; Donna (Ed) Jaquith of Cassadaga, Cynthia (Robert) Timothy of Chester, SC; nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews also survive. Preceded in death, in addition to his parents, are a son, Dennis Lelonek; and siblings, Stanley, Maximillion, Theresa, Robert and Richard Lelonek, Dory Keith and Judy Ayala.
No prior visitation. A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 18 at 1 p.m. at the Cassadaga American Legion on Maple Avenue in Cassadaga.
Arrangements are by the R. Mackowiak Funeral Home Inc., Dunkirk.
By the Observer
